Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 520

Her complexion was significantly more radiant than it had been two weeks ago. Although her doctor had ordered strict bed rest, she was too restless to stay put.

Marching into her walk-in closet, she threw open the doors and sifted through rows of meticulously organized garments.

This one was too dark, that one too formal, this one lacked a soft touch, that one looked too desperate—she tried on nearly everything in her wardrobe. Discarded clothes piled up on her bed before she finally settled on her final choices: a low-key but luxurious beige cashmere dress that highlighted her maternal glow, looking incredibly gentle;

A black coat to perfectly match his signature black suits;

And a custom-tailored silk nightgown with a perfectly plunging neckline.

She folded the clothes meticulously into her suitcase, tossing in a premium skincare set, a bottle of perfume, and a candid photo of him from a recent gala.

In the picture, Quentin was leaning casually against a table, hands behind his back. His long legs and sharp profile radiated pure, untouchable elegance.

She tucked the photograph between the pages of Love in the Time of Cholera—she had never actually read it, but the internet called it a masterpiece about how long a person can wait for true love, and she found it fitting.

Packing complete, Penelope stood before her mirror.

Wearing a loose loungewear dress, her cheeks flushed with life, her long hair cascading down her shoulders, her eyes gleaming with ambition.

She turned slightly, resting a hand on her entirely flat stomach. She was desperate to emphasize a non-existent baby bump, fully committing to her pregnant persona.

Yet, this manufactured maternal routine looked less like glowing motherhood and more like a laughable charade. Not that she realized it.

"Baby," she whispered to her reflection. "Mommy is going to find Daddy."

Her lips curved upward, her gaze shining with an unhinged, fervent devotion.

She had it all planned out. Quentin would be alone overseas, far away from Madeline, unburdened by board meetings and corporate warfare. It would just be the two of them.

She would show him just how tender, accommodating, and devoted she could be.